ABSTRACT
An unerupted tooth is one that has not emerged through the oral mucosa into the oral cavity at a developmental stage when this would usually have been expected. The surgical removal of an unerupted tooth may be indicated if its retention will interfere with the orthodontic alignment of adjacent teeth, if there is associated pathology or if the presence of the unerupted tooth is adversely affecting adjacent teeth. If there is no indication to remove an unerupted tooth, then this can be left in situ, provided that it is monitored clinically and radiographically (at appropriate intervals) to ensure that pathological change does not develop. Maxillary canines may remain unerupted as a result of crowding, ectopia, impaction or an inherited dental anomaly. If the orthodontic alignment of an unerupted canine is not indicated, surgical removal is often requested to prevent later development of cystic change or resorption of adjacent teeth.
